1 From the layby walk south down the A592 and bear right up Townhead Brow into Troutbeck, past the Mortal Man inn then down a dip. Turn right onto Nanny Lane bridleway signed Wansfell. Walk up the walled lane continuing through a gate to a point where the track bends right. At this point you could join the masses on Wansfell Pike by going through the gate signed Wansfell then at its summit turn sharp right to follow the wall-side path to Baystones. To circumvent the pike continue along the walled track across The Hundreds, once three divisions of common grazing land. Just before a gate go over a ladder stile on the left and follow the path on the other side of the wall. The path bends left then heads to a summit with breathtaking views over Rydal Water and the fells beyond. Keep to the right, descend to a gateway, then follow the path up to Baystones, also known as Wansfell and 16 feet higher than Wansfell Pike.

2 Climb over a wall stile and descend to a second wall stile. Idle Hill summit is on the right. Descend beside the wall on the left. A view appears ahead of Kirkstone Pass, with Red Screes towering over its left side and the A592 snaking down to the right. Cross the wall stile one field away from the A592 and turn right to follow the wall eastwards and walking over tussocks of grass and reeds. A bronze spearhead was found here in 1845. The wide valley of Woundale, with Hart Crag at its head, is to the left. Near where the wall reaches the A592, step over a low metal gate and descend to a sheepfold beside the main road. Go through the sheepfold, follow the A592 downhill to the right for 250 yards then turn left at a bridleway fingerpost.

3 The bridleway, known as Low Kingate (the A592 is High Kingate), passes through Hird Wood. Although not easily spotted, the wood contains disused 18th Century slate quarries and an ancient concentric stone circle. Six stones remain in the 66-feet diameter outer circle, three of which are incorporated into a dry stone wall, and four in the inner circle of 38-feet diameter. Follow this delightful wooded path and enjoy views over Troutbeck Park. Mrs Heelis (Beatrix Potter) bought this property, which was one of Lakeland’s largest sheep farms in 1923, greatly increasing her stock of Herdwicks to several thousands. Helped by specialists such as Tom Storey she improved the farmhouse and the stock, breeding prizewinning Herdwicks. The Tongue is the nearest hill in the middle of the valley, dwarfed by Froswick, Ill Bell and Yoke. The attractive woodland is home to red deer and red squirrels. Protected bird boxes have been placed on trees. On meeting the road turn left and descend to the layby where the walk began.

NB: Restrictions on space mean that this article provides a general summary of the route. It is advisable for anyone who plans to follow the walk to take a copy of the relevant Ordnance Survey map.